Super Simple Piano

Log in Start free

A Cock-eyed Optimist

· by Barbra Streisand

Loading song

Fetching song

1

—

Play in Full Modes More Songs for Kids

Lyrics

When the (C5)sky is a bright ca nar y yel low,

I for (Bb5)get ev ’ry cloud I’ve ev er seen.

So they (Ab)call me a cock eyed op ti mist,

im ma (Fm)ture and in cur a bly green.

I have heard peo ple rant and rave and bel low

that we’re (Db)done and we might as well be (Db6)dead.

But I’m (Ab)on ly a (Bb)cock eyed (Gm7)op ti mist,

and I (Fm7)can’t get it in to my (Eb)head.

I (Gm)hear the hu man (Gm6)race is (A7sus4)fall ing on its (D)face and (Gm)has n’t ver y far to (A7sus4)go.

But (Gm)ev ’ry whip poor (Gm(maj7))will is (Dm7)sell ing me a (D)bill and (Bb)tall ing me it (F13)just ain’t (Fm7)so.

Now, I could (E)say life is (E)just a bowl of (E6)Jell O

and ap (Bm7)pear more in tel li gent and smart,

but I’m (A6)stuck

like a (A)dope

with a (E)thing called (F#)hope,

and I (B)can’t,

no, I (B)won’t get it out of my (Emaj7)heart,

not

this

heart.

A Cock-eyed Optimist by Barbra Streisand — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “A Cock-eyed Optimist” by Barbra Streisand in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of F at 80 BPM, a medium-difficulty arrangement — try slowing the tempo down using the BPM control.

Tips for parents & teachers

Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "A Cock-eyed Optimist" good for a child learning piano?: Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "A Cock-eyed Optimist"?: Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?: No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?: Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.
How many chords does "A Cock-eyed Optimist" use?: Just 37 chords: A6, Ab, Adim7, Asus4, B, Baug, Bb, Bb7, +29 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Barbra Streisand songs work for kids?: Try "ORDINARY MIRACLES", "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes", "My Man (Mon Homme)". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.